That Chilly, Gray Office

I remember the day like it was yesterday
The watery eyes of my mother stared into my soul
That chilly, gray office always smelled like coffee
Dark bags under soft eyes
Weary expressions on faces
Daring someone to say something
Silence
The clock was ticking
Silence
The school bell was ringing
Silence
Happy students bustled through the halls
Suddenly
“He won’t wake up”
It hit
This was the end
The devoted father turned into a mere memory
That chilly, gray office always smelled like coffee